Principals outline secondary‑school cell‑phone procedures; board presses on enforcement and mental health

Principals from multiple Medford secondary schools presented the district’s secondary‑school procedures for student cell‑phone use and described both successes and areas for improvement. Middle schools explained how an “Away for the Day” approach operates on their campuses; high schools described variants that allow approved instructional uses and medical accommodations. Board members asked about consistency of enforcement, substitute teachers, locker‑room policies and whether the district has observed changes in bullying or cyberbullying trends.

Superintendent Bret Champion introduced the presentation and the principals, who said site procedures aim to reduce distractions while preserving the phone as an accommodation when medically necessary. Directors emphasized the desire for consistent application across campuses and asked staff to provide data on bullying/cyberbullying and guidance for substitutes. The meeting record notes Director Michael Williams arrived during this presentation.